For more than 95 years, National 4-H Congress has been a premiere nationwide opportunity for 4-H members across America.

Originally held in Chicago, the event is now held in the “Capitol of the South,” Atlanta, during the Thanksgiving break.

National 4-H Congress is a five-day event that engages high school-aged 4-H members in leadership, citizenship, global awareness and inclusion. Participants not only have the opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art educational workshops and hear from world-renowned speakers, they also have the opportunity to network with other 4-H members from across the United States.

Three Effingham County 4-H members recently attended National 4-H Congress iafter "mastering" in their 4-H project area in July 2017. Rebecca Velasquez, Payton Mercer and Mallory Morgan were three among hundreds from across the nation who were able to experience this unique opportunity of National 4-H Congress.

Speakers for the 2017 National 4-H Congress included United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, Author Matt Rush, Miss America 2018 Cara Mund and several others.

Students also participated in several community service project during the extended weekend. Community service is a special part of National 4-H Congress.

The National 4-H Congress delegates were assigned a variety of community service projects in the Atlanta metro area. Each 4-H member had the opportunity to help others in a variety of ways and experience really what it is like to be a catalyst for positive change.

National 4-H Congress is a unique honor for 4-H members. Velasquez, Mercer and Morgan engaged in this event that was only offered to them through their 4-H experiences and accomplishments. They gained friends from across the nation, heard dynamic speakers, attended stellar educational tours and learned through hands-on workshop all in five days at National 4-H Congress.